Retiring in King City, Oregon

The Vibe: The Town Built for Retirees King City is unique in Oregon: it was literally incorporated in the 1960s as a planned retirement community. While it is now open to all ages, its DNA is still 100% focused on the 55+ lifestyle. It sits quietly between Tigard and Tualatin along Highway 99W. Life here revolves around the King City Civic Association (KCCA). If you live in the core historic area, you are likely part of this HOA, which gives you access to the pool, the clubhouse, and the crown jewel: a beautiful, flat, walkable public golf course that winds through the backyards of the homes. Housing & Cost of Living King City is one of the most affordable places to retire in Washington County.

  • The Market: The inventory is dominated by single-level mid-century ranchers, townhomes, and condos. Many are smaller (1,000-1,500 sq. ft.), designed specifically for downsizers.
  • Taxes: Because King City is its own municipality, taxes can be favorable, though HOA fees are a factor to watch in the Civic Association areas.

King City is geographically small, so it doesn’t have “neighborhoods” in the same way a large city like Portland does. Instead, it is defined by a few distinct subdivision names and communities-primarily split between the historic 55+ areas and the newer “all-ages” developments. Here are the specific names of the neighborhoods and communities within King City:

1. King City Civic Association (KCCA)

This is the heart of the city and what most people think of when they hear “King City.” It is the original 55+ restricted master-planned community.

  • The “Royalty” Streets: You can identify this neighborhood immediately by the street names, which are all royal-themed (e.g., King Arthur, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, King Richard).
  • Housing Type: Mostly mid-century single-level detached homes, townhomes, and condos centered around the golf course.
  • Car-Optional Living: Many residents use golf carts to get around the neighborhood.

2. Garden Villas

Located inside the 55+ area, this is a specific subdivision of single-level attached condos.

  • Location: Tucked near the golf course and the Civic Center.
  • Vibe: Very quiet, maintenance-free living (HOA covers exterior/grounds), popular with single seniors.

3. Edgewater

This is one of the few areas in King City located south of Highway 99W, situated along the Tualatin River.

  • Vibe: Unlike the KCCA, this area includes standard apartments and newer housing that feels distinct from the retirement community. It is known for having direct access to river views and green spaces.

4. Kingston Terrace (The New Expansion)

This is the name of the massive new master-planned community currently under development on the west side of town.

  • Future Impact: This area will effectively double the size of King City.
  • Housing Type: Unlike the historic east side, this neighborhood is designed for all ages and will feature a mix of single-family homes, cottages, and walking trails connecting to the Tualatin River.

5. Manufactured Home Communities

There are two prominent manufactured home parks that function as their own distinct neighborhoods within the city limits:

  • El Dorado: Located on the north side of the city near Beef Bend Road.
  • Royal Villas: Another 55+ manufactured home community that offers a lower price point than the stick-built homes in the KCCA.

Important Note on “Summerfield”

You will often hear people mention Summerfield in the same breath as King City. While it is directly across Pacific Hwy (99W) and shares the same 55+ golf course lifestyle, Summerfield is technically in Tigard, not King City.

Recreation Opportunities After Retiring in King City

King City was purpose-built for ease, accessibility, and social connection. The entire town is designed so that you never have to walk uphill, and your social life is often just a golf-cart ride away.

1. The “Club” Life (King City Civic Association)

If you live in the historic 55+ section (KCCA), your recreation revolves around the Clubhouse and the Crown Center. This is not a “drop-in once a month” situation; for many residents, this is their daily itinerary.

  • Over 40 Active Clubs: This is the social engine of the town. You will find specific groups for almost any interest, including the Croquet Club, Lawn Bowling Club, Ceramics Club, and highly competitive Bridge and Pinochle groups.
  • The “24/7” Arts & Crafts Building: Unlike many senior centers that close at 5:00 PM, the Arts & Crafts building here is available to residents around the clock. It houses a massive private library (12,000+ books), a fully equipped woodshop, and a ceramics studio with kilns.
  • Social Events: The “Monthly Musical,” holiday potlucks, and the famous 4th of July Parade (where residents deck out their golf carts) are major community anchors.
  • Aquatic Center: Features an outdoor pool (popular in summer) and an indoor lap pool/spa for year-round use.
  • Lawn Bowling & Shuffleboard: King City has one of the few active, tournament-quality Lawn Bowling greens in the state. It is a major social sport here.

2. Golf & “Cart Culture”

King City is one of the few places in Oregon with a “Golf Cart Legal” overlay for many streets.

  • King City Golf Course: This is a 9-hole public course that winds through the backyards of the homes. It is short (par 34), flat, and very forgiving, making it perfect for seniors who want to play well into their 80s.
  • Not Just for Golf: You will see seniors driving golf carts all around the neighborhoods in all weather conditions.

3. The “Flat” Outdoors (Walking)

If the hills of Oregon City are a dealbreaker, King City is the antidote.

  • King City Community Park: A 17-acre park with paved, flat trails that are easy on the knees.
  • The Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge: Just a 2-minute drive away on 99W, this is a massive nature sanctuary with miles of flat, gravel and paved trails. It is a premier spot for birdwatching and photography without the elevation gain of a typical hike.

4. Nearby “Big City” Amenities

Because King City is so small (literally 0.7 square miles), residents heavily utilize the amenities of its immediate neighbors, which are often just across the street.

  • Tigard Senior Center: Located just north, many King City residents go here for the “Meals on Wheels” lunch program and specific computer/tech classes.
  • Summerfield Course: The “friendly rival” across Highway 99W. Avid golfers often hold memberships or play regularly at both the King City and Summerfield courses to keep things varied.

Healthcare in King City: World-Class Care, Minutes Away

One of the biggest advantages of retiring in King City is the peace of mind that comes with proximity. Unlike rural retirement destinations where a hospital might be 45 minutes away, King City sits in a “healthcare golden triangle” between Tualatin, Tigard, and Sherwood. Whether you need a routine check-up, urgent care, or emergency surgery, you are typically less than a 10-minute drive from top-tier medical facilities. This accessibility allows residents to age in place confidently, knowing that critical services are practically neighbors.

King City Healthcare Directory

  • Distance: ~5-8 minutes
  • Why it matters: This is your “home base” hospital. It is a full-service, acute-care facility with a 24-hour Emergency Room, a nationally recognized stroke center, and a dedicated orthopedic institute (excellent for joint replacements). You do not need to fight traffic into downtown Portland for high-level care.
  • Location: 11675 SW Pacific Hwy (Right on 99W)
  • Best For: Minor injuries, X-rays, and illnesses when you can’t see your primary doctor. It is located directly on the main highway, making it incredibly easy to find.
  • Location: Just across I-5 in the Bridgeport area.
  • Specialty: Internal medicine, cardiology, and dermatology. Many King City residents use this as their primary clinic due to the depth of specialists available in one building.
    • Location: 16485 SW Pacific Hwy (Inside King City)
    • Why it matters: This facility is located within the town limits. If you or a spouse ever need short-term rehab after a surgery (like a hip replacement), you can recover right in your own neighborhood rather than being transferred to a facility across town.

Where to Eat in King City

Favorite Restaurants: The “99W Corridor”

After retiring in King City, residents don’t usually drive into downtown Portland for dinner. Instead, they stick to the Pacific Highway (99W) corridor, which offers easy parking, accessible seating, and “classic” menus.

  • Why it’s a favorite: Located just minutes south on 99W, this is arguably the #1 “nice dinner” spot for locals. It serves upscale comfort food (excellent prime rib, seafood, and pasta) in a setting that feels special but not stuffy. It is locally owned and heavily frequented by the King City community for lunch and dinner.
  • Why it’s a favorite: The “Gold Standard” for senior dining in the NW. The menu focuses on Northwest fresh ingredients (like marionberry crepes), and the service is known for being patient, friendly, and accommodating to large groups.
  • Why it’s a favorite: Located in the King City Plaza, this has become a surprisingly popular evening hang-out. It’s a common sight to see residents walking or driving over for a light dessert after dinner.

Buying a Home For Retiring in King City

Buying with a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) (Age 62+) King City was built for the 62+ demographic, making it the perfect environment for a HECM for Purchase. Many buyers here use this program to purchase a golf-course condo in the Civic Association for around $350k-$400k. By using a HECM, you might only need to bring ~$250k to the closing table. This strategy allows you to purchase the home without a monthly mortgage payment while simultaneously preserving a large “safety net” of cash from your previous home sale: funds that are essential for covering HOA fees and enjoying the community’s social clubs and travel opportunities. Buying with a Jumbo Reverse (Age 55+) While the historic side of King City is 55+, the newer “Kingston Terrace” development is attracting younger retirees who want modern, higher-end homes. A Jumbo Reverse Mortgage is ideal here for buyers aged 55 who want to secure a $700k+ new-construction home now, rather than waiting. Since standard financing would require a hefty monthly mortgage payment at current rates, a Jumbo Reverse allows you to put a large down payment on a brand-new home and live monthly mortgage payment-free immediately. This is a strategic way to lock in your retirement housing cost in a premium neighborhood while you are still working or consulting part-time.

Retiring in King City is a Lifestyle

The Verdict on Retiring in King City: Choose King City if you want the “classic” retirement experience: golf course living, single-level homes, and a quiet, sleepy atmosphere where your neighbors are likely your age. Looking for a real estate agent that is an expert in retiring in King City? Reach out to us for a direct referral to an absolute authority in this space. Fill in your contact info on this page and we will be in touch.